Auli also known as Auli Bugyal is nestled among the Himalayas and is graded as one of the best skiing destinations by ski lovers. But unfortunately, it is not much famous among travelers and tourists and fortunately, it was really high on my travel bucket list. I was already captivated by the pictures posted by the fellow traveler of its skiing slopes and wide green meadows extending in Kilometres. So, here was the chance for us to explore Auli in summers and cross one of the more travel bucket list destinations in Uttarakhand.
Table of Contents
Travel Guide to Auli in Summers
Distance from Delhi to Auli
Auli lies 509 Km from Delhi
Route to Auli from Delhi
Time to Reach Auli
Almost 13 -14 hrs in one stretch
Stoppages in Between
One can drive in a stretch but still we will advise you to take a halt in between at Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Auli in summers
Auli is at a hilltop; just 43 Kilometres short from Badrinath Dham and Mana Village. The steep road deviates and rises 16 Km up from Joshimath. The other way one can reach Auli is by Asia’s highest and longest Gondola cable car which directly connects Joshimath to Auli covering the total distance (slope distance) of 4 kilometers in 15-20 minutes.
Auli is already famous as a winter destination for snow and skiing but not in summers. We traveled and explored Auli in May and trust me- it did not disappoint us!! In fact, it surprised and treated us with different shades and colors.
While returning from Badrinath; clouds were following us and they were seen floating in between the Himalayas. And here was the first glimpse of the Auli.
We wanted to check-in before the rain. But within minutes, as we reached our hotel Auli Resorts the rain started and the Highland got crystal clear. The subtle colors and shades of the resorts and buildings became bright and started jutting out; leaving us completely spellbound.
Our plan was to sit, sip hot coffee, and enjoy rain in the lush mountains but nature was ready to shock us pleasantly with some more colors and thrill. Just then, a strong orange light was sparkling in the sky from one side, making it look like a glowing ball. Yes! The sunset along with rain. I should say one of the best views. The sun and its rays did their work tremendously well making the whole valley look more alluring.
It was raining & drizzling the whole evening and we spent time enjoying the Himalayan ranges from our resort; hoping the next day to be sunny. The next morning sun was shining at its best. The barren mountain tops covered with snow were ready to wear the golden crowns. At some places in between, these majestic Himalayan ranges were decorated with green patches. Everything in the valley seemed to be muted, except the birds who had full freedom to chirp and sing. Literally, the feeling was that all forces of nature are united here.
The snow-clad mountains appeared to be so close yet so far too and they are equally inviting. One doesn’t need to think to get lost in their charm. Just sit and see them, you will be with them.
When you are in the thoughts of these stuffed ranges; your dreams can only be pinched out by the noise of flying a helicopter in between them. And the only sentence you can utter out is! Wow! I missed this and need to add this to my bucket list for sure.
Ride to meadows through Chairlift
To reach the meadows, one needs to go by the chair lift. It opens around 9:00 am and takes one from 2500 meters to 3050 meters elevation in just 4-5 minutes. This seemed like fun just on listening and it actually was.
You can check this out here in a video.
OMG! The views were spectacular and beyond my words. We could see the huge green meadows extending in kilometers, the highest manmade artificial Auli lake standing in between making Auli meadows and slopes more worthy, with the panoramic views of Himalayan ranges around it. Below and above from the chair lift, one can too see thick oak and coniferous trees.
From the meadows, the top one can witness the complete Himalayan range. The third highest peak Nanda Devi (7817 meters) stands out with others peaks like Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Hathi, Godhra, Palki, Neelkanth, etc, in line to it.
One can hover over these long stretched meadows to see the huge rock formations, grazing cattle’s and flowers.
Apart from this; Auli acts as a trekking base for this part of Uttarakhand. One can opt for a day or multiple days treks from here. The shortest of all is till Gurso Bugyal (3 km) Further; 9 km ahead the trail continues till Kwani Bugyal. Some other popular ones are Auli – Gorson which is around 7 km, Gorson- Tali (6 Kms); Tali – Kuari Pass (11 km) etc.
Best Time to Visit Auli
Auli can be visited throughout the year. In winters i.e. from November to March, it is a perfect skiing destination. From April to November days are pleasant with moderate climate. July to October are the monsoon months but the place receives a scanty rainfall.
Expected temperature at Auli
The temperature in Auli in summer May, varies between 7 to 18 degrees Celsius, whereas in June it can go up to 20 degrees Celsius. July & August are rainy months so the temperature varies and after August till October, it lies between 4 – 15 degrees celsius. In November – December Temperature lies between 2 – 10 degrees celsius. January and February are the coldest months and temperature can go as low as -5 degrees celsius.
Places to Stay at Auli in summers
There are budget as well as luxury resorts in Auli for accommodation. The Auli resort and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) Hotels are located at the Auli base whereas Hotelli Clifftop and Nanda Devi Eco-tourist resort is on the hilltop or in between the meadows. The views from all of these places are breathtaking.
Some points to take note of while traveling to Auli in summers
- The road is really steep and narrow (single vehicle) from Joshimath. So, be slow and patient while driving.
- Try to cover the journey from Joshimath to Auli, only during the day.
- Temperature can dip anytime at Auli in summers, so always carry woolens with you.
- One needs to climb a few stairs to reach a chair lift.
- The ticket of a Chairlift for to and fro journey is Rs 300/- per head.
- The ticket for Gondola cable car from Joshimath to Auli is Rs. 750/- and there is some time limit for returning back too.
- On the hilltop, there are shacks where you can get tea, coffee, and some snacks.
- April, May, June are the good months to visit Auli. In July, Auli receives a good amount of showers whereas in August and September there is a flowering season.
- Try to keep the surroundings neat and clean.
- Do check out the wonderful artwork of Shri Badrinath Temple, Kedarnath Temple, Himalayan flower, and Monal Bird done by a travel lover.
If you find it interesting, please let us know and share it with others. You can read the complete review about Auli resort here.
